Recommendations for first Spyderco

Jakeboy

Jakeboy

Joined
Feb 12, 2011
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I'm beginning to acquire a small collection of EDC folding knives that I rotate through but I don't have a Spyderco! Given their popularity and reputation, I'd like to get one. I love the way they look, too!

I have looked at them on-line and would like one with about a 3" plain blade with a liner lock that feels good in the hand. I'd like to stay under $75.00, if at all possible. It doesn't have to be the latest and greatest steel, as I don't mind touching up my blades once in a while (enjoy it, actually). I'm just looking for a nice example of a Spyderco that I could use for EDC.

Which model or models do you guys think would be best for a first time Spyderco buyer?

I've been EDC'ing a Kershaw Skyline, Buck 347, CRKT Ripple along with a few favorite old, trapper style slip joints and a SAK once in a while.
 
If you can get past them not having a liner lock, the Manix-2 and Endura4 and great knives. 154CM and VG-10 steel on the two. I highly recommend them. If not, the Tenacious is a great value EDC that many tend to like around here.
 
Agree with Vanguard, Tenacious is a great value knife and I love the manix 2 Buffalo tough!! I own them both, and a few others to boot!! Got a sprint run Manix on the way bought here the other day woo hoo!!
 
Delica 4 or Endura 4. Delica if you like a smaller knife, Endura if you like larger. IMO, its well worth the extra $15 to get VG-10 instead of 8Cr13MoV on the Tenacious.
 
Here are three knives worth considering within your budget. Although the Delica doesn't fit your bill entirely, its the knife that a lot of people get for their first Spydie and end up loving it and next you know it, you have 20 Spydercos.

Manix 2 ($70-80) - great for the money. Cage ball lock.
manix154.jpg


Delica 4 ($50-60) a bare bones true EDC knife. Has a lock back.
delica4.jpg


Tenacious ($30-40) one of the cheapest Spydercos you can get, but its made in China. Not a perfect representative of Spyderco, but it seems to fit your description the best. It has a bit of a cheap feel to it, however it is a fundamentally good knife with a smooth deployment and solid lockup. This I would love to see this knife made in the US or Japan... with higher quality steel and G10 used.
1openfe7.jpg
 
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My first was an Endura 4 and is still one of my fav knives...even though I now own close to 100
 
In the 3 inch blade length the Delica is a hard knife to beat. Continues to be my favorite small EDC. If your sticking to a liner lock the "value" line Spyderco's are great knives. I have the ambitious and tenacious. I believe the persistence is close to a 3 inch blade.
 
Delica 4 and Endura 4 are great EDC knives.
Sage 1 is even better if you can afford to drop $100
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll tell you, I'm really liking that Manix 2! I like the fact that it's made in the USA, as well.

I can see where in the future, I'm going to be owning more than just one of these Spyderco's. I like the looks of their fixed blade knives, too!
 
Either one you pick you will be happy, Spyderco's just seem to be that awesome. :D

I personally would go with the Delica 4 FFG like others have said. It was my first spyderco and I still love it; probably will get another one (most likely fully serrated) sometime. 78LilRed does make a good point, if you have spend out another $30 or $40 I would check out the Para2, I just got it (my second spyderco....for now) a month ago and it is absolutely awesome; it actually kicked my delica out of my edc.
 
Just got my first spyderco a couple of weeks ago. Couldn't be happier with the Delica model. Took a couple days to get used to the thumb hole but love it now.
 
I vote for the FRN Stretch. Sal Glesser (company founder) designed that knife around his own preferences in a EDC knife (as of a few years ago). The Manix is designed by Eric (Sal's son) and is also an amazing design. Which one better represents the principles of Spyderco knife design is debatable, but you can't really go wrong with either.
 
Here's A List In Your Price Range, Some May Be Over 3" Blades, Others May Be Under. These Are All Great Knives Though.
Spyderco Dragonfly
Spyderco Delica
Spyderco Ladybug
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Native - No One Mentioned This Yet And It's Right Up Your Alley, 4" Black FRN Handles 3" Blade All It's Missing Is The Liner Lock But It Has A Nice Lock Back. Have One And Pretty Sure I'll Never Let It Go.
Spyderco Stretch
Spyderco UKPK - This One Doesn't Lock At All - It's a Slip Joint - This Is Again Right Up Your Alley - Awesome Knife, Solid Opening, Great Snap, Awesome Users, And So Many Different Colors And Blade Shapes Lol. - Also Made In Golden Colorado USA Earth, But A Lot Of Spyderco's Really Nice Quality Knives Are Also Made In Seki-City Japan(And Other Places I Think But I'm Tired And Drawing Blanks.)
Spyderco Resilience
Spyderco Tenacious
Spyderco Persistence
Spyderco Ambitious
Spyderco Cat
Spyderco Chicago
Pacific Salt
Atlantic Salt
Salt 1
Tasman Salt
Spin
Centofante III - Another One Right Up Your Alley

And As Of Right This Second That's All I Can Come Up With, But There's A Nice List, And Now You Can Take A Look, And Choose The One You Feels Fits You Precisely.

Oh And Also Take A Look At The Spyderco Byrd Line! Very Nice Knives, Very Wallet Friendly.
 
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